Zero new Nipah cases in Kerala for 8 days, schools and colleges reopen
Schools and other educational institutions in Kerala's Kozhikode district have reopened today (September 25) after a nearly two-week closure due to the Nipah virus outbreak.
The district authorities have allowed the resumption of physical classes as the district has reported zero positive cases for the eighth consecutive day.
Background
Following a significant outbreak of the Nipah Virus in Kerala, the situation is gradually returning to normal as new cases remain absent in many districts. Notably, schools and colleges are reopening today, marking a significant step towards recovery.
This development comes four days after the lifting of restrictions in Kozhikode district, where the outbreak originated.
However
In containment zones, schools and colleges will continue to remain closed, with instruction continuing online.
Containment zones encompass all wards within the Feroke Municipality, as well as specific wards within the Kozhikode Corporation.
No new cases
No fresh Nipah-positive cases have been reported in the state since September 16, following the testing of over 500 samples. Kerala previously recorded six cases of Nipah Virus, resulting in two fatalities, while the others are currently undergoing medical treatment.
On Nipah virus, Kerala Health Minister Veena George says, “61 samples have been tested since yesterday evening and night and they are all negative. The condition of the Nipah patients stable, as per the doctors’ report, the 9-year-old boy is improving clinically” pic.twitter.com/4jLhgptNmC
— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2023
These cases initially raised concerns in the state, leading to the establishment of containment zones in various areas. However, the situation is now under control, with no new cases reported after September 18, 2023.
Understanding the Nipah Virus
- This marks the fourth occurrence of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, which has experienced multiple outbreaks in the past. The most devastating outbreak occurred in 2018, with 18 laboratory-confirmed cases and five suspected cases, resulting in 17 fatalities.
- Nipah virus is a zoonotic virus that can be transmitted from animals, including bats and pigs, to humans. It can also spread from person to person. The virus was first identified during an outbreak in Malaysia in 1999, primarily affecting pigs and pig farmers.
- Subsequently, it has been identified in other parts of Asia, including Bangladesh and India.
Symptoms and transmission
Symptoms of Nipah virus infection include fever, headache, dizziness, and nausea. In severe cases, it can progress to acute respiratory syndrome and encephalitis (brain inflammation), which can be fatal. Human infections often occur through contact with infected animals or the consumption of contaminated food or drinks.
Person-to-person transmission can also happen, especially in healthcare settings or close contact with infected individuals.
Nipah virus is typically spread by fruit bats 🦇. It causes severe disease with a risk of mortality between 40% and 90%. Outbreaks of Nipah virus occur annually in both Bangladesh and India; the latest outbreak was in early 2023 in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/aB7XwslXzI
— CEPI (@CEPIvaccines) June 7, 2023
Prevention and Control
Since there is no specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus infection, prevention and containment are essential. Measures include isolating infected individuals, contact tracing, quarantining exposed individuals, and implementing hygiene and infection control practices such as handwashing and the use of sanitizers.